Da Vinci Dilemma

Example

I’m still trying to figure this one out. While most movies in production have on the set “unit publicists” who draft the production notes, manage unit and “special” photographers and generally garner advance word of mouth, the makers of “The Da Vinci Code,” starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard, have placed a veil, or should I say shroud of secrecy over the film’s production. (Even Woody Allen would be impressed.)

Now what perplexes me is why. Some say the film’s plot — a cover-up by the Roman Catholic Church of Jesus’ alleged marriage to Mary Magdalene — is too incendiary. But ruffling a few feathers certainly didn’t stop Mel Gibson from doing everything he could to generate advance buzz for his most incendiary film. This included seeking and allegedly securing a vague supporting sound bite from the late Pope prior to release. The advance controversy led to boffo box office, and a very rich Gibson.

Are today’s religious nuts so nuts that they would bring harm to those they believe are committing blasphemy? Maybe Dan Brown’s work of fiction(?) was so mainstream that the marketers of his film don’t feel they need any advance buzz. It’s funny how those who were so passionate about The Passion can give it, but apparently not take it.